NANAKULI, Hawaii --
Fire heavily damaged a two-story Nanakuli home that housed two families on Monday afternoon.
It happened at about 2 p.m. at 87-1954 Farrington Highway.
The fire fully engulfed the house when firefighters arrived. It destroyed the top floor, and smoke and water damage made the bottom floor unlivable, Honolulu Fire Department spokesman Capt. Terry Seelig said.
Fifteen people were displaced by the fire, including six children.
"What if we have to switch schools? I like that school, Nanaikapono," Angel Vallo said.
The Red Cross responded to the scene to help the displaced residents with accommodations and other needs.
The home was just across the street from the beach. Officials are hoping to keep the family from having to live there instead.
"We're really hoping -- they don't have to get a tent and stay out here. That's our goal," Red Cross volunteer Jackie Flohr said.
It took a family from Micronesia three months to find an affordable rental. Now their family will take them in again.
"Right now, everybody just got to help out each other. That's what families are for," said a sister of one of the fire victims, Salote Mu.
Investigators are trying to determine what caused the fire.